Queen Elizabeth II has died aged 96

Buckingham Palace announced today that the Queen has died at the age of 96.

The Queen passed away at her estate in Balmoral, Scotland today (8 September) with her family around her.

Elizabeth II was born in London on 21 April, 1926 and succeeded to the throne on 6 February, 1952 following the death of her father, King George VI.

She was born in Mayfair, London, as the first child of George and the Queen Mother, Elizabeth Angela Marguerite Bowes-Lyon.

The Queen’s eldest son, Charles, Prince of Wales, will become our new monarch.

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It was announced on 8 September that Her Majesty was under medical supervision at Balmoral after doctors became worried about her health.

February 2022 saw the Queen mark her platinum jubilee, with the UK taking part in four days' worth of celebrations later in the year.

Releasing a statement amid the celebrations, the Queen said she was 'humbled and deeply touched' and thanked people for their support while also acknowledging she wouldn’t be able to attend all the official events marking her 70th year on the throne.

Her Majesty’s full statement said: “When it comes to how to mark 70 years as your Queen, there is no guidebook to follow. It really is a first. But I have been humbled and deeply touched that so many people have taken to the streets to celebrate my platinum jubilee.

“While I may not have attended every event in person, my heart has been with you all; and I remain committed to serving you to the best of my ability, supported by my family. I have been inspired by the kindness, joy and kinship that has been so evident in recent days, and I hope this renewed sense of togetherness will be felt for many years to come.”

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The Queen concluded: “I thank you all most sincerely for your good wishes and for the part you have all played in these happy celebrations.”

In 2015, The Queen became the longest reigning monarch in 1,000 years of British history. That same year, she made her last foreign trip to Malta for the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting.

During her reign she worked alongside 15 Prime Ministers beginning with Winston Churchill and continuing through to new PM Liz Truss.

In recent years, the nation’s longest-reigning monarch has suffered ongoing mobility issues.

Despite health problems, Queen Elizabeth II continued her service and public duties well into her old age, regularly touring and visiting parts of the UK and Northern Ireland.

In recent years the Queen had stepped back from a number of public duties, with other members of the Royal Family stepping in to cover for her.

Another blow came for the Queen last year, when she lost her husband of 74 years, Prince Philip.

Philip died in April 2021, just two months before his 100th birthday.

Topics: UK News, Royal Family